Purity is linked to cooperation but not necessarily through self-control

Behav Brain Sci. 2023 Oct 4:46:e311. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X23000316.

Abstract

Fitouchi et al. claim that seemingly victimless pleasures and nonproductive activities are moralized because they alter self-control. Their account predicts that: (1) victimless excesses are negatively moralized because they diminish self-control, and (2) restrained behaviors are positively moralized because they enhance self-control. Several examples run contrary to these predictions and call into question the general relationship between self-control and cooperation.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Self-Control*